Water safety concerns across the globe

A spike in water pollution scares has raised questions over whether enough is being done to protect water sources around the world.

In China, there has been two major water pollution scares in a month. Most recently, a faulty valve in a cargo ship leaked phenol (an acid used in detergents) into China's Yangtze river, contaminating tap supplies in eastern China. The spillage came after factories in the southern region of Guangxi contaminated water supplies for millions with toxic cadmium and other waste in January.

In Tel Aviv, a recent study by the Health Ministry and Water Authority found that 96 of a total 166 wells in the region had to be closed due to contamination. Armament manufacturing, agricultural runoff and sewage was to blame for the increase in water pollution.

Water quality has also been questioned in parts of India, where the Patiala health department tested supplies from agencies such as Punjab water supply and sewerage board, rural water supply and sanitation department, local bodies, government schools and private schools. Of the total 433 samples taken since April 2011, around 170 samples failed the quality test.

Published by Claire Manning